A summary of the effects of mining and related activities on the sediment-trace element geochemistry of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA

Journal of Geochemical Exploration

Links

The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time

Abstract

Substantial portions of the surface and near-surface sediments are markedly enriched in Ag, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sb and Zn, and somewhat enriched in Cu, Fe and Mn. Surface distribution patterns, as well as variations in the thickness of the trace element-rich subsurface sediments, indicate that the source of much of this enriched material is the Coeur d'Alene River. An estimated 75 million metric tons of trace element-rich sediments have been deposited on or in the lakebed. The deposition of trace element-rich sediments began, at least in the Coeur d'Alene River delta, some time between 1895 and 1910, dates consistent with the onset of mining and ore-processing activities that began in the area in the 1880's. -from Authors

Additional Publication Details

Publication type:

Article

Publication Subtype:

Journal Article

Title:

A summary of the effects of mining and related activities on the sediment-trace element geochemistry of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA